From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The National Copyright Commission (NCC) has vowed to continue intensifying its nationwide anti-piracy operations to disrupt illicit networks, while promoting a culture of respect for copyright.
The Director-General of the NCC, Dr. John Asein, disclosed this in a statement to mark the 2026 World Book and Copyright Day.
The commission noted that piracy remains a major threat, undermining legitimate enterprise and eroding the economic value of creative works.
Asein lamented that inadequate distribution systems and limited access to books also constrain the growth of readership.
He described the event as an important occasion, which showcased the enduring value of books as foundations of knowledge, instruments of cultural preservation, and drivers of national development.
He described the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Read Books, Respect Copyright,’ as a call on Nigerians to embrace reading as a lifelong habit, while recognising that respect for copyright is essential to sustaining creativity and rewarding authors.
The commission noted that Nigeria’s book industry has evolved significantly, from the post-independence emergence of indigenous publishing to today’s digitally driven ecosystem.
“Nigerian authors continue to gain global recognition, while publishers are expanding capacity. However, challenges persist,” he said.
The commission commended the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, describing it as a bold step toward repositioning intellectual property as a driver of economic transformation.
The policy, according to him, provides a roadmap for revamping the book sector for the benefit of authors and publishers, and is accessible at ippolicy.ng.
The NCC also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive access through the Marrakesh Treaty, as reflected in the Copyright Act, 2022, enabling accessible formats such as Braille and audio texts.
It urged Nigerians to respect copyright and purchase books only from authorised sources.
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